Ways God Answers Prayer

In Ephesians 6:18 I read, “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers." (NLT)

There is no such thing as unanswered prayer. God may not always answer the way I like, but he always answers prayer in one of four ways:

When my request is not right, God says, “No.”

God is not going to give me something that’s harmful for me. He only gives me his best! He sometimes says “no” because my request does not match his best for me.

When I’m not right, God says, “Grow.”

Maybe God wants to give me something, maybe even a blessing so big I can’t imagine it, but I’m not ready for the responsibility. It could even cause stress in my life if he gave it to me now. Don’t stop praying! Keep reading God’s Word and making Christ my first pursuit.

When my timing isn't right, God says, “Slow.”

Habakkuk 2:3 says, “The time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!” (TLB) It’s coming, but it’s not here yet. God wants to take it slow, until I’m ready to handle it. Growth often needs to be paced. And it always takes time.

When my request and the timing and my character are all lined up, God says, “Go.”

Ephesians 6:18 says, “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers” (NLT). I don’t pray persistently because I’m trying to convince God. I pray persistently so that I’m ready when God says, “Go.”

Always believe that God is going to answer my prayer. It might not always be the answer I want or expect, but it will always be for my good and for God’s glory.

In summary, pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers.  What I’m learning is that there is no such thing as unanswered prayer. God may not always answer the way I like, but he always answers prayer in one of four ways: 1). When my request is not right, God says, “No.” God is not going to give me something that’s harmful for me. He only gives me his best! My request doesn’t match his best for me. 2). When I’m not right, God says, “Grow.” Maybe God wants to give me something, maybe even a blessing so big I can’t imagine it, but I’m not ready for the responsibility yet. It could even cause stress in my life if he gave it to me now. Don’t stop praying! Keep reading God’s Word and making Christ my first pursuit. 3). When my timing isn't right, God says, “Slow.” I am not to despair, for things will surely come to pass. Just be patient!  It’s coming, but it’s not here yet. God wants to take it slow, until I’m ready to handle it. Growth often needs to be paced. And it always takes time. 4). When my request and the timing and my character are all lined up, God says, “Go.” I don’t pray persistently because I’m trying to convince God. I pray persistently so that I’m ready when God says, “Go.” Always believe that God is going to answer my prayer. It might not always be the answer I want or expect, but it will always be for my good and for God’s glory.

To pray at all times, make quick, brief prayers my habitual response to every situation I come across throughout my day. Also I need to order my life around God's desires and teachings so that my life becomes a prayer. I don't need to isolate myself from others in order to pray constantly.

Father, thank you for Your Word and Jesus as my savior and example. You want me and I need you in my life. Please give me Your strength for today and remind me in little ways that I can always believe in, have faith in and can trust you in everything. This includes being the authority for my life, the source of my self-worth and my hope for the future. You have my best interests in mind. So I ask you to help me to embrace the way you’ve made me; my gifting and passions. Help me to serve and fulfill the mission you have in mind for me. 

Today, I ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership, my interactions with others, doing well and making a difference in others lives. I pray all these things through your Son Jesus’ name, Amen.